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Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

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    Overview

    This undergraduate Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons) degree is designed to give you a thorough grounding in both general psychology and criminal psychology, which could be applied to a wide range of situations and careers once you graduate.

    You’ll explore some specialist areas, including biopsychology, developmental psychology, personality and individual differences, and forensic psychology. We’ll also help you gain an invaluable insight into what makes people behave the way they do and why they choose to take part in criminal activity.

    Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. On this course, therefore, we’ll give you the opportunity to explore how psychological theory relates to the actions people take in life.

    You'll look at criminal behaviour and weigh up the different theories about the causes of crime – from parenting to society, peer pressure and genetics. You’ll look at how theories apply in the real world, to gain crucial insights into how psychology is used within the criminal justice system.

    Why study Psychology with Criminology BSc(Hons)

    We're 24th in the UK (2nd in Yorkshire) for Psychology, in the Guardian League Tables 2025.

    This degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS); you’ll be able to apply, on a graduate basis, for Chartered Membership, if you graduate with a Lower Second Class Honours or higher and complete the empirical psychology project.

    You’ll be taught by psychology and criminology lecturers who are experts in several fields and have a wide range of specialisms. They are focused on supporting you, and we have a dedicated Transition and Progression Tutor, who will help you adapt to studying Psychology at degree level.

    Many of our lecturers are members of our Applied Criminology and Policing Centre, too, and produce world-leading research in this field. Some of our-final year optional modules are partly taught by professional clinical and forensic psychologists, giving you the opportunity to learn directly from those in professional practice.

    You’ll have the opportunity to build your communication skills, assertiveness, ability to work in teams and presentation techniques, all of which are useful in many careers and professions. You’ll enhance your studies by using specialist equipment in our psychology labs, including an electroencephalographic (EEG) machines, biopacs, an eye movement tracker, an Oculus Rift (a virtual reality system) and specialist polygraph (lie detector machine).

    This course aims to ensure you’re more attractive to employers. Alternatively, it will prepare you for further study, helping you expand your knowledge and hone your skills.

    If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Psychology and Crime Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree or our Health Foundation Pathway leading to a BSc(Hons) Degree.

    Entry requirements

    To find out if you’re eligible to start this course in September 2025 and get more information on how to apply, please see our Clearing pages or call our Clearing Helpline on 0333 987 9000.

    If you’re interested in studying this course in September 2025, please view the 2026-27 course information.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Child Development

    You'll study the major perspectives and methodologies in child development. The module focuses on applied settings such as education, the mental health system, the criminal justice system and the wider social world. You'll consider how developmental concepts have influenced the work of professionals in understanding development. The module will also help you in your transition to studying at degree level.

    Introduction to Cognitive and Biological Psychology

    You'll be introduced to theoretical approaches and debates in cognitive and biological psychology, as well as analytical research skills using quantitative methods. You'll carry out research in our laboratories to identify and explain internal mental processes and biological factors that underpin behaviour.

    Introduction to Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

    This module will introduce you to research methods and data analysis in psychology. It provides the opportunity to develop both a theoretical understanding and practical skills. It covers key research issues, methods and data analysis in both quantitative and qualitative approaches. You'll also gain experience as a participant in several research projects.

    Introduction to Social Psychology and Personality

    In this module you will study Personality and Social Psychology. The module addresses three important questions. How do psychologists study personality? How do psychologists study individual and group behaviours, such as attitudes and language? Is Personality best understood as originating in constitutional or social factors?

    Psychology of Criminal Behaviour

    You will be introduced to the critical issues related to health, illness and disability in clinical and health psychology. The module challenges some of the preconceptions of ill-health from mainstream perspectives and considers how health and illness can be influenced by factors including culture, poverty, gender and sexuality. You will be encouraged to consider how these factors impact on wellbeing and the experience and treatment of physical and mental illness and disability. Multiple perspectives will be considered in the critical, applied and research oriented module design.

    Core modules:

    Cognition; Brain and Behaviour

    In this module you'll be supported to develop a critical understanding of cognitive and biological explanations of human behaviour. You'll explore a diverse range of topics including psychopharmacology, behavioural genetics, memory and human perception.

    Developmental Psychology and Professional Development

    In the developmental psychology part of the module you'll be supported to build on your knowledge of human development across the lifespan in a variety of contexts. You'll learn about different methodological approaches to studying human development and how to critique them. In the professional development part of the module, you'll reflect on your personal and professional skills development and how psychology-related skills can be used beyond university.

    Psychology of Crime Prevention

    You'll explore how investigative and forensic psychology is contributing to the prevention of crime. The module will consider how psychology can help us prevent crime between individuals, such as domestic abuse and hostage negotiation, through to crimes between groups, such as smuggling and organisational espionage.

    Psychological Research and Data Analysis

    Through this module you'll be supported to further develop your knowledge of research design and analysis. You'll explore analysis of variance, multiple regression, factor analysis, discursive analyses, phenomenological analyses and ethics.

    Option modules. Choose one from a list which may include:

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

    You'll explore one of the most influential approaches to psychological therapy; namely Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). To do this you'll be introduced to the concepts CBT uses to understand psychological problems, apply them to complex case materials and explore how to assess whether CBT and other therapies work.

    Contemporary Debates in Gender and Sexuality

    You’ll explore areas of psychology that relate to gender and sexuality through the study of published literature and will attend lectures based on a variety of topical areas of interest in the study of gender and sexuality.

    Health Psychology

    Health psychology is the study of how behavioural, psychological and social processes influence physical health and illness. This module introduces you to the exciting discipline of health psychology through lectures and directed study. You'll explore some key theories, concepts and research. The module is aligned with the scientist-practitioner model, with its emphasis on evidence-based approaches to treatment, as well as research methods and skills which is reflected in the module content and assessments.

    Peer Mentoring for Psychology

    You'll take part in a practical training course which will help enable you to understand what a peer mentor does. You'll explore models of mentoring and consider methods which will help you to work with a mentee to support them in their studies at the University. You'll meet your mentees throughout the academic year and take part in Mentor Supervision Groups to ensure you are supported as a mentor.

    The Psychology of Judgement and Decision Making

    You’ll explore and critically examine the various theories of judgement and decision making and be introduced to quantitative models of these cognitive processes. You’ll critically evaluate the notion of rationality and investigate ways in which people’s judgements and decisions can be biased. The module will also allow you to explore judgement and decision making in a range of real-world contexts such as health, business and economics, and to investigate techniques for improving decision making.

    The Psychology of Victimisation and Survivorship

    You’ll be introduced to the concept that many psychological problems and offending behaviour can be traced to previous experiences of criminal victimisation. You’ll also explore the potential for positive survivorship in the aftermath of victimisation. You’ll study sensitive topics including child sexual abuse, domestic violence and modern slavery in the context of challenging notions of victim blame and the inevitably of enduring psychopathology. There will be a focus on resilience, recovery and post-traumatic growth. Emphasis will be placed on developing your critical analysis skills which are essential for success in your third year of study and your future employability.

    Social Psychology and Personality

    You'll be supported to build on your knowledge of social psychology and personality psychology through lectures and seminars. You'll consider some of the key issues we face in our world today, including crowds and social conflict, group processes and identity and close relationships.

    Psychology and the World of Work

    On this module you’ll complete a period of work (either paid or voluntary). You’ll also explore the value of your degree in the workplace, reflect on your experience, and acquire career planning skills.

    Core modules:

    Criminal Psychology

    In this module you'll explore explanations of criminal behaviour from a number of psychological perspectives including biological, cognitive and social. There's also an emphasis on psychology in practice, with lectures delivered by clinical and forensic psychologists from a local institutes. This will help you to develop an understanding of the practical application of psychological theory and the reality of criminal behaviour.

    Forensic Psychology

    This module studies the key approaches, concepts and issues within the field of forensic psychology through a series of lectures and online facilities. You'll explore a range of psychological explanations for criminal activity relating to two main themes. Firstly, you'll critically consider various research areas within forensic psychology including prison treatment programmes, eyewitness and expert testimony, investigative interviews, crime and mentally disordered offenders. Secondly, you'll study a range of crimes such as murder, sexual crimes, arson, acquisitive and white collar crime.

    Psychology Final Year Project

    You'll conduct research into your chosen area of psychology through the collection of original data to produce a report. You'll also communicate your research findings and work in progress through a short assessed presentation. Throughout the project you'll be supported to demonstrate high level research skills, an awareness of ethical principles and approval procedures, and an ability to work independently under supervision from a qualified member of psychology staff.

    Option modules. Choose two from a list which may include:

    Investigative Psychology

    You'll explore the field of Investigative Psychology and cover a wide range of areas, including the work of Professor David Canter, Offender Profiling, Geographic Profiling, Investigative Interviewing and the Detection of Deception.

    Personal Relationships

    You'll study contemporary psychological research and theories of personal and intimate relationships. This will include material on different perspectives on personal relationships, physical attractiveness and attraction, how people form, maintain and end intimate relationships, sex differences in relationship behaviour, online relationships, and attachment and self-esteem in intimate relationships.

    Serious Crime Investigation

    You’ll explore modern police investigation practice in relation to serious crime, including the contribution of forensic science, offender profiling, surveillance data and new technologies. You’ll consider how current research into serious crime, such as homicide, terrorism and sexual offences, informs practice and police decision making, as well as how investigations and major enquiry management have become increasingly professionalised.

    Psychology of Education

    The complex factors which interact to construct learning will be explored, using a mix of psychological theories and their influence on educational policy in schools and on further and higher education. You'll be supported to develop an understanding of how different people are enabled and disabled, in participating in learning and education.

    Psychology of Health and Wellbeing

    You'll be introduced to the critical issues related to health, illness and disability in clinical and health psychology. The module challenges some of the preconceptions of ill-health from mainstream perspectives and considers how health and illness can be influenced by factors including culture, poverty, gender and sexuality. You'll be encouraged to consider how these factors impact on wellbeing and the experience and treatment of physical and mental illness and disability. Multiple perspectives will be considered in the critical, applied and research oriented module design. Through an essay you'll demonstrating a comprehensive and critical understanding of theoretical and applied approaches to the psychology of health and wellbeing.

    The Neuroscience of Cognition

    You'll cover key concepts within neuroscience and link neuroscientific evidence that underpin core cognitive theory. Through a series of themed lectures, case studies and examples will be used to demonstrate the links between neuroscience, cognition and behaviour. Lecture themes include: atypical and abnormal (effects of specific damage or traumatic brain injury), typical and functional (underlying mechanisms and neural correlates for typical function and cognitive abilities) and issues in neuroscience (practical, ethical and workplace/professional application).

    On average 17.2% of study time on this course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials. You'll be taught through seminars, group work, laboratory experiments and lectures.

    Assessment will include coursework and examination. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    Further information

    The teaching year normally starts in September with breaks at Christmas and Easter, finishing with a main examination/assessment period around May/June. Timetables are normally available one month before registration. As this is a full-time course, you may have to attend every day of the week.

    Your course is made up of modules and each module is worth a number of credits. Each year you study modules to the value of 120 credits, adding up to 360 credits in total for a bachelor’s qualification. These credits can come from a combination of core, compulsory and optional modules but please note that optional modules may not run if we do not have enough students interested.

    If you achieve 120 credits for the current stage you are at, you may progress to the next stage of your course, subject to any professional, statutory or regulatory body guidelines.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Students discussing their research projects
    Wide range of Psychology textbooks in the library
    Using finger sensors on a psychophysiology device
    Investigating visual attention with an eye tracker
    Student calibrating the eye tracking machine
    Preparing the electroencephalography (EEG) cap
    Simulated driving experiment using virtual reality
    Virtual reality environments using a VR headset
    Measuring heart rate and skin conductance
    The Cold Pressor
    Students using SPSS software in computer rooms

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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